Abuse in the Diocese of Passau: Decades of darkness uncovered!

Abuse in the Diocese of Passau: Decades of darkness uncovered!

The diocese of Passau recently published an explosive abuse study that provides a deep insight into the dark history of sexual assaults by clergy between 1945 and 2022. This research was carried out by a team from the University of Passau led by historian Marc von Knorring. Around 2,400 personnel files were examined and interviews were held with 25 people affected and 35 contemporary witnesses. The Bayerische Rundfunk reports that the study was carried out on behalf of a local independent review commission and that the costs were borne by the Diocese of Passau.

The results are alarming: at least 672 people became victims and 154 perpetrators were identified. A shocking detail is that 86% of the accused clergy are considered multiple defendants. In addition, three quarters of those affected were exposed to multiple attacks, especially in boarding schools, homes and while serving as altar boys. Such horror scenarios are not only physically devastating for those affected, but also psychologically - many suffer from sleep disorders, depression and a loss of self-confidence. The study also shows that 59% of those affected in parishes were male, while this proportion among religious clergy was as high as 94%.

Dark chapters and consequences

A central focus of the investigation is how the Passau bishops deal with allegations. Cases of abuse were already documented in the post-war period under Bishop Simon Konrad Landersdorfer, but these often remained inadequate and were circumvented. From the 1960s onwards, the judiciary became more actively involved, but under Bishop Antonius Hofmann the documentation was deliberately kept thin. Bishop Franz Xaver Eder even described the cases of abuse as a “poison cupboard” in which the terrible realities remained well hidden. It was not until 2002 under Bishop Wilhelm Schraml, who initiated regular prevention work, that change began. Although the file records have become richer, they are still not complete.

Bishop Stefan Oster, who currently works in the Diocese of Passau, describes the study as “painful and healing”. He asked for forgiveness for the failure of those responsible in the church. Nevertheless, questions remain about the transparency and exercise of power by the bishops. According to Vatican News, the study also reveals that there were numerous informants who remain silent to this day, including parents and parish employees.

Social debates and the way forward

This topic has been the subject of social debate in Germany for more than 15 years. The Canisius College in Berlin was a trigger for the uncovering of many cases that shook the familiar ground of the church. While in some dioceses, such as Passau, the investigation has increased, others, for example in the Archdiocese of Cologne, have shown setbacks when reports were initially kept under wraps. Deutschlandfunk also describes the reactions of the dioceses as very different, with some acting offensively and others struggling to admit that systematic abuse has taken place.

As one of the lessons from this dark chapter, those responsible in the church must finally open their eyes and clearly stand up for the fact that the well-being of those affected must take precedence over the reputation of the institution. The abuse study could potentially be a turning point, perhaps even the starting signal for a comprehensive change in the Catholic Church that should finally offer victims of abuse a hearing and support.

People are not only hoping for a responsible future in the diocese of Passau. The next steps for processing and prevention remain crucial. It is important to learn from the past and do everything necessary to prevent such crimes.